Thursday, June 21, 2007

Kitten

He's kind of a doggish cat. He's definitely not like most cats, which would mean instant hate from me.

His name has been changed again. It is now Rush Limbaugh. Yes, I have warped my kids. No, it wasn't my idea. He seems to like outside and doesn't want to come in as soon as I put him out. That's good, since it will be where he lives, b/c none of our allergies will be able to handle the dander in the house. I also refuse to have pets in the house for the shedding too. Our big lab, Murphy seems okay with him, he's still not totally sure about Murphy.

Yes, I know pics are long over due. I just put my camera software back on the computer, so I can access everything that's been on my camera since February.

Monday, June 18, 2007

It's been over a month.

Wow. Summer is here. It's still wet and relatively cool for June (if you can ignore the humidity). I'm working on my econ class. Jackson is insane. Victoria turned 7 on the 16th, we are still doing the occasional home school lesson (mainly math since she loves it and reading is just normal now). The twins will be 1 on the 27th. We have done a lot of work and have a floor (and no trim) in the dining room. Swim lessons begin tonight at the Y. We bought a wooden swing set we have to put together now. Jonathan is about to get really busy with the new Cessna program he's been given at work. He also decided we needed a cat. Now we have a kitten tentatively named Doby. I say tentatively, because I noticed it looks like he has a Hebrew letter on his forehead (a tav for those interested) and I'm tempted to call him by that letters name. I'm not sure if he's going to be dog food for our lab or not yet.

Ya, life is good.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

A RIver Runs Through It.

No, not the book. I'm talking about my dining room.

I called out a guy who specializes in floor leveling and fixing crawl space foundations (I will call it csf from here). J has done some csf work before and we had an idea of what we would do, but we decided to get and estimate and hear from the "professional". This is another instance where we just don't feel like we can trust others to do the work. What the guy told us "needed" to be done is really not the issue and even though it could use some work. If your nervous about the process is easy (it's just uncomfortable because it's under the house, ewww).

This guy went under our house and gave us an estimate of $2,000 to replace 1 stringer and add a few supports to that stringer. As we ripped up our dinning sub floor (which is needed to level before we add new floor) we saw that their are 2 stringers in the dining/office section and 2 in the living room/entry section. The stingers remove flex in the floor and could be better, but they are okay. Our issue was in a big dip on each side of the door between the living and dining room. That issue is minimal and a very simple fix. This guy was going to charge us a ton of money for nothing. I'm so glad we decided to fix it ourselves and started to rip the floor up to see we were going to be riped off.

As it stands I only have 1/2 of the sub floor down in my dining room and with all of the rain (over 6 inches in the last 9 days-this isn't counting the rain we got at the end of April) we have a small pond under the dining room and a lake under the living room. We can't rip op the rest of the floor until the rain stops so we don't sink in the mud. We now have to find out if the water is high water table, rain or both. I guess the fix for that will be a little easier with the floor out. Also our 107 year old house has knob and tube wiring, so we get to work on that too. It just never ends.

We are crazy, that or stupid, I'm not sure which yet.

**Yes, I know I need to post lots of pictures, but I still haven't loaded my camera software onto the old computer yet.

HE'S PURPLE!

Jackson was sitting on the kitchen table (yes he climbed up himself) , looking at the babies. I hear him start yelling, "HE'S PURPLE! WE'RE GOING TO GET YOU BACK BABY!" He said it 3 or 4 times.

I look to see Owen doing his "business". He was red and holding his breath as he went. Jackson I guess was assuming that he was going to die. I just laughed.

The funny thing about him freaking out about the baby is the fact that he started talking about the babies at the hospital today. It's been 10 months and he hasn't mentioned the hospital, until today. He does remember it well, we did spend enough time there.

Dusty

Dusty is home. They weren't taking very good care of him at the hospital after ICU and his blood sugar shot up (WAY UP). They weren't medicating him, so he had to get his kit from home to get insulin. The doctor sent him home, because the hospital was not taking care of him. His levels are normal again, but he is down to 115 lbs. Please keep him in your prayers still. Feeling that far down will take a bit to recover from.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Prayer Request!

My Dad just called about a half hour ago and told me that my cousin Dusty (he's in my friends under DUTTY) is in the ICU. He is diabetic and the only details I have are that his blood sugar and blood pressure went high and that his kidneys are wanting to shut down.

Please pray for strength, peace, comfort and healing for Dusty.

Please pray for peace and comfort for his family (his wife, 2 kids, parents, sister, etc).

Please pray for good competent doctors and nurses and that the Lord will bless them as they take care of him.

Thank you!

***This was what I posted on myspace if you received this in an e-mail also, that is why there is the "found in my friends" comment.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Poodles?

Wow...just wow.

Hoof's, bleating, not eating dog food, weird bowel movements (in comparison to a dog) how do you not know?

Quick Political Quiz

This is quick.

I'm down to 18 in my inbox, my goal has been reached.

Inbox

I'm down to 28.

Everyone has a cough at our house right now. I'm not sure if it's a cold or just allergies.

We re coming to the end of a lot of our current activities and our school year. PE ended Tuesday for the spring. We have 3 weeks left of AWANA. We have about 4 weeks left of dance and a recital. Soccer was to end on the 5th, but we had a game rained out. Now our season is extended to the 12th, but we have a family reunion that day and won't be here. Our coaches are considering a tournament the same day as V's recital the 19th. We'll see how it all goes down. This spring has been fun, but wild.

May 4th and 5th are busy for us. We have the homeschool convention in OKC (we are just going to the vender's to pick up and finalize our curriculum selection Friday AM). Jonathan also wants to got o the Pawnee Steam and Gas Engine Show and our soccer game is at 10:30 Saturday.

We are going to have to start gating. The babies have each climbed a step now. They each have 2 teeth, but I believe they are working on more.

Jackson is in the terrible three's (terrible two's are a lie). Issues at 2 are a lack of communication and 3's are open defiance. He might live if he's lucky. Ha! Ha!

Jonathan has been made the program engineer are a new Cessna project and he's busy, but things are going well.

I start school at the end of May and I am taking 3 hours this summer (Macro Econ) and 6 this fall (Micro Econ and Music Appreciation).

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Baptism Cannonball

Why didn't I think of this when I got baptised? This kid gets it, loving Christ should be fun!

*39 in my inbox

WIsdom in the woods

Two men were chopping wood in a forest. After some time went by, the first man noticed that the other had accumulated a much larger pile of wood than he had, even though the second man had taken several breaks. Annoyed, the first man resolved to chop harder and faster, determined to catch up with his rival. However, as time passed, the difference between the heights of the two woodpiles became even greater. The first man chopped relentlessly, while the second stopped for a few minutes every hour before returning to work.

Finally, at the end of the afternoon, the first man looked with disgust at the substantially smaller pile of wood that he had chopped. Exasperated, he said to the second man, “This is impossible. I’ve been working much harder than you all day. You’ve taken lots of breaks. What were you doing during those breaks?” The second man replied, “Sharpening my axe.”

*44 in my inbox

Travel Directions

Go to Google.com

Click on Maps

Click on get Directions

From New York,New York

To Paris,France

And read line # 23

I received this from Kilikina
*Now I'm down to 45 e-mails and all e-mails are still read.

Twins (I read it I didn't write it)

There's two to wash
There's two to dry,
There's two to argue
There's two to cry.

One's in the mud
Having a ball.
The other holds a crayon
Another marked wall.

Some days seems endless
My patients grows thin.
Why was I chosen
To be a mother of twins.

The answer comes clear
At the end of each day,
As I tuck them in bed
And to myself say.

There's two to kiss
There's two to hug,
And best of all
There's two to love.

(Poem From Twins Poetry Website and found in a TMOM's newsletter)

Mine aren't old enough to cause too much trouble, but reading this poem reminds me of Jackson. He causes more trouble then any set of multiples could ever imagine. I'm afraid of what he will teach the other 2 boys. ;-D

The Cuttlefish

This is the most impressive animal I have ever seen. The transitions it makes are indescribable and out right freaky. This animal doesn't seem real let alone from this planet. Click "Watch a Preview" for a brief taste.* I'm seriously disappointed I missed this episode.

*The preview times at aunder 2 minutes.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Dick Cheney

Love him or hate him this is great.

E-Mail Overload (UPDATED)

Do you ever open your e-mail box and find it is too full to possibly sort through or read?

Last week I went through my inbox. I hadn't been opening my forwards and I had been bad about deleting things I knew I wouldn't or didn't need to open. I had 195 unread e-mails. I had almost 400 in my inbox. I decided I needed to clean it out. Did I read most of the forwards i received? Sadly, no. I read a few that the titles caught my eye and everything my husband sent, that was it. I know have 74 e-mails and all have been read. There are a few that are funny and I would like to share, so as I continue to clean out my inbox (I'm pushing for 20 or less) I will post several funny or thought provoking e-mails.

UPDATE
I'm down to 50.

Monday, April 23, 2007

New links

My ISP won't support my old, old WINDOWS ME (on this old, old back up computer), so I can't get to my favorites. I have added 2 new links to my page so I can access them without typing. Wow, I'm lazy.

Friday, April 20, 2007

VOTE for the OKLAHOMA QUARTER

Yes, that's right go vote online here.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Dissatisfaction

I love(d) to blog. Lately I just don't care. I used to check my "blogs" multiple times a day, I used to blog several times a day. Checking now occurs every couple of day and I only lurk, as you can tell my writing is much less frequent also. My time thinking up things to say is filled with dissatisfaction. Basically I'm just not going to do this much, until I feel I have something to say.

My processing of information and formulation of anything witty or of note is nonexistent lately. My current distaste for my own ramblings has slowed my computer time and I have been accomplishing more with my family particularly with V's school and our plans for next year. I guess that a good thing.

I will still be around, but until I feel I have something funny, thought provoking or important to say I think my time here at GFaW will mainly be updates of my family.

As an aside, I weened the twins Friday. I am in a little bit of pain still, but I should be good by Thursday or Friday. I am also enrolled in 3 hours for the summer and 6 hours for the fall online through Oklahoma City Community College. Taking my courses by distance education through them cost me 1/2 of the state university here in town. I can get 9 classes I need much cheaper.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Dyson Slim Vacuum

Yes, I know I've been MIA. The computers not working right has been a wonder for breaking my addiction. As it stand the main PC is shot. Currently I am living with our 6 year old back up and I don't want to buy a new one or even load programs I want/need onto the back up.

I have found a reason to blog though and I thought I'd spread the news which I heard over at Babysteps. 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Dyson Slim Vacuum. You can enter on their page. I doubt I will win, but if I did it would save me from having to ask for a new vacuum for my birthday or Mother's Day, and boy how I could use one. The boys are crawling and my vacuum picks up so little I am employing the Shop Vac about half the time to keep junk out of their mouths.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Out of Commission

My main PC's power supply went out and then Monday my back up did the same. I am out of town at my mom's, so I thought I would check in and let you all know that I am not dead. I'm just without a computer or internet access at home. I think the main PC will be back up when I get home tonight. I'll try to get caught up on your lives and I'll do something with the pictures soon.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, March 16, 2007

Done.

I had my hair highlighted today. I didn't go all out blond. I need a bit of a tan before I can do that.

The other computer is still down. Pictures will come later.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Pictures

I know and apologize for the lack of pictures. Our main computers power supply blew (again) and I am functioning on my (very old) back up. I have taken a bunch of pictures, but I can't access them. Once Big J gets me up and running again I promise there will be pictures

Weening, teething, soccer and life in general.

-I am weening the boys right now. I am only nursing at night now. They will be 9 months old on the 27th, I think I've done well. Owen is taking the bottle like a champ and Alex isn't. I know it will work itself out soon. I don't have to take anymore of this stuff now! Yippee! It did a fantastic job increasing my milk supply, but it tasted bad. I always had it with a cranberry juice chaser to cut the flavor.

-The prayer request I had posted has turned out well. Everything looked good when she went to see the specialist. She has to go back just in case later.

-The twins moved to the crib 2 nights ago. They've been sleeping in separate bassinets. Alexander figured out how to pull up last night in it and I moved them. Now we have to get another crib so they can stretch out and not wake each other up. Owen stole A-Dawgs covers too. Twins are awesome, everyone should have a set. The boys are also both cutting teeth. FUN!

-We started soccer for V the last week in Feb. Life is super busy with her, between homeschooling, church, soccer, dance, PE and Awana. No one can say my homeschooler isn't socialized. ;-D She is a math wiz and is doing some multiplication (in her head) in the first grade. WILD!

-J is wild and insane. Oh, to be 3 again. He is going to be a total heartbreaker and he thinks he's a Power Ranger.

-We are planting another 500 blackberry plants out where we used to live. (Insane, yes, but not my idea)

-I'm trying to get over a cough that my allergies gave me and Jonathan is just being mister cool. He's been given a new program at work and he is thrilled.

-Life is good! I'm so glad it's warming up! I wore shorts the last 2 days-my legs are sooooo white!

-I haven't died my hair back blond yet, I've had conflicts the last 2 Friday's. I'm pushing to make it happen this Friday (Jonathan said he'd make it happen for me).

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Prayer Request

One of my blog friends is pregnant with her second and they have detected some compications. Please lift Kilikina, her baby and the specialist up in your prayers. Here is her update from her blog. She was going to see the same specialist I saw with the twins this morning.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

OK Go - Here It Goes Again

Amazing!

If I had 8 treadmills and 3 willing friends I would have to try and recreate this. This is definitely worth 3 minutes of your time. For a good laugh.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity .

Anyone who really know me knows I'm just stupid enough...wait, crazy enough...wait, knows I just might do several of these things.

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write " For Smuggling Diamonds"

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. Don't use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15 Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......

Send This To Someone To Make Them Smile.

Its Called ..... therapy

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Drugs?

Okay, so I am actually using my blog as a forum to discuss Britney Spears. I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan and for the most part I don’t care, but she is like a violent wreck that you can’t help but stare at. It doesn’t help that information about her latest fiascos are everywhere.

I’m not sure what all she’s done, but I know since dumping her scrubby hubby, she’s acting like a crazy kid given freedom for the first time and being totally irresponsible (something I don’t relate to in all honesty). Her latest high jinx has her shaving her head. I thought this was just some weird makeover or a desperate cry for help, but my husband had a different spin. I was surprised that he mentioned this; because he cares less then anyone would what any celebrity does.

Jonathan mentioned that this was discussed at work. Can’t you picture it engineers sitting around discussing celebrity scandal? He reminded me that she is in an ongoing custody battle and that drug use (even long ago) can be detected in your hair. She has since entered rehab. Maybe the shaved head was a calculated move to prevent detection of her bad habits and to help her in the custody case. That’s a spin I haven’t heard yet, but I think it has merit.

I’ll be honest, I feel sorry for her kids. I would hate to be raised in a media circus and I hope that what is best for them comes through in the end. Kids don’t get a choice to who they are born and in what circumstances they have to live in. I just wish them some stability and maturity from someone in their life that loves them. They certainly need it.

The votes are in.

After tallying up the votes from Myspace, Blogger and e-mails I am doing what I want anyway! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Oh, forget it, I’m not funny.

In all sincerity thank you all for your opinions, they are very appreciated. Though the brown will be easier to maintain I am going to dye it blond again. I like looking at older pictures and myself and seeing similarities. I’m not sure the brown is really me (personality wise), even though it looks good.

I’m also eager to have people tell me that I look too young to have 4 kids (I used to hear that all the time), I haven’t heard it since I dyed my hair. What can I say? I am a little shallow. Yes, it's sad I know.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Blond vs. Brunette (please comment)

Okay, I was being a good wife. My husband doesn’t like what I spend to get my hair colored (which is a lot cheaper then what most people pay). As a kind gesture I had it dyed the last time to match my roots, so I could go without coloring it. I like it enough to keep it and he also likes it.

The kicker comes in his statement yesterday (just over 3 weeks of me with brown hair). He asked, “How much would it cost each month to keep you blond? I like the brown, but I prefer the blond.” I was able to tell him he it isn’t a monthly expense; it’s a 6-8 week expense.

So know the debate is on, blond or brunette (check my pictures to see pics of both). Cast your vote.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Make it stop!

CAUTION STOP NOW IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A HAPPY POST!

It’s just one of those mom days. If you’re a mom you know what I’m talking about. It’s the day where you just want to “call in sick” or “leave early”, because it has been so bad. This is a sad statement since it’s not even 10:30 am and we’ve only been up for about 2 ½ hours.

I guess it goes back to last night. My sleep style nursing bras were all dirty, so I wore a regular nursing bra to bed (it has under wires), this resulted in major milk leakage and clogged ducts from the wires. I hosed 2 shirts last night. It’s hard to sleep well when you’re soggy.

I woke up and all of the kids were happy. I love it when we are all happy together in the morning. This went away soon when I told Victoria to go and get dressed. She said, “No.” That’s always a big mistake. She did go and get dressed, but complained about how I had matched up her socks incorrectly in her drawer. Guess what? I didn’t match up her socks, but she blames me. Instead of re-matching her socks, she throws them out into the hallway (not in anger). I inform her to rematch them correctly and to get them out of the hall. She looks at me like I’ve told her to build a nuclear reactor, just totally dumbfounded. I try to explain to her what I want. By this time I’m not pleased, by the time she’s done I’m mad.

We move downstairs and everyone is at least playing or hanging out calmly. Then Jackson needs to use the bathroom. He stands at the regular toilet to pee and he had been using his potty seat for BM. Jonathan has started setting him on the toilet for that since we have no bathroom stool and they broke my kitchen one. Jackson proceeds to poop all over the bathroom. It’s on the floor, the side of the tub, my comb on the edge of the tub, up and down his legs, on the front of his shirt and jacket, and all over his pants and underwear. I’m livid. I give him a shower and clean him and his mess up, while I SCREAM like a banshee at him. *Isn’t that the most effective way to communicate with a 3 year old. (sarcasm emphasized)*

Then I fix the kids bowls of cereal. In the morning I let them watch a show while they eat breakfast (it’s the only time we sit in front of the TV and eat). I place J and V’s bowls of cereal on a TV tray and go sit on the floor to feed the babies their cereal. 3-5 minutes later I hear a bang. I turn and see Victoria’s bowl on the floor over turned (she looks at it and then back at the show), her feet are on the edge of the TV tray. At this point I loose it. Both kids are sent to their beds, so I get a break and can clean up without them around. J gets called down to finish his cereal and he takes his bowl to the kitchen. I follow this with telling V to come down and that she gets nothing else to eat until lunch (since it was 10 I thought 2 hours was okay). I’ve never used this as punishment before, but I get really tired of feeling like a slave.

These are the days that I want to go enroll her in school and find him a preschool. I hope this feeling is just a hold over from being under the weather last week (I still am a little sick). Right now just holds that feeling of needing a vacation from my job. I really just need some time off.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Call me crazy.

I’m thinking about going back to school.

Yes, I know, in what free time do I have to go back to school? I’m still thinking about it.

As it stands I can’t finish my Aerospace Engineering Degree here and if I traveled to the nearest town with an engineering program I could only get a Mechanical. These degrees are also ON campus degrees and I don’t have the time right now and I may never.

So, why am I thinking about going back to school and what do I plan on doing? I always planned on finishing a degree. I looked online at the university that has a satellite campus 7-8 blocks from our house. Since I obviously can’t go engineering I plan to change my major to business. This school has a Business Administration Degree with an Entrepreneur option. Jonathan would like to eventually start his own company (for those of you who don’t know he has filed 1 patent). This would be helpful. When I went through and figured up my hours and the classes I have to have; I am 24 classes and 69 hours away from done. 14 of those classes can be taken online. I love online courses I will begin this summer with one 3-hour ECON course. I will maintain at 3 hours and increase to 6-9 hours when (and if) I feel I can. This will take a minimum of 3.5 years(based on my planned number of hours), but it will probably take longer.

It may seem crazy. I have 4 kids and I homeschool, but this is one thing I know I can do. Once the twins are weaned and sleeping through the night better this will be possible.

I’ve been talking to Jonathan about it and he is supportive of this and is willing to do what he needs to do to help me make this happen. He’s excited and intrigued by the entrepreneurial courses. I am sending off for my latest transcript and I have filled out my application. I’ll be ready to go when this summer hits and homeschooling goes on a brief hiatus.

I may be crazy, but as I’ve said before I’ve learned to accept it.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

It's doing it again!

My yard still has ice (I mean lots of ice) from the previous storm. You had 2 options of what to walk on swamp or ice. Now your options are again snow and ice.

This picture is from across the street. Parts of our 3 porch roofs still have snow (or ice). You can still see 2 mounds on each side of my front porch roof where it pours off the roof.


This picture is from one of our side porches and looks across to the art gallery across the street. Yes, there is an art gallery across the street (it's too cool). The drive in front is still a solid sheet of ice. I walked across to talk to Jody (the owner) and I almost fell on my rear (again). The last thing I need is my tail bone bruised again. It still isn't totally healed.


Oh, well let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. I've never seen this much snow in my life in Oklahoma. I'm ready to see it go.

CONGRATS!

I just went through my blog roll. I don't have all of my frequented blogs on my page. I go to my friend Jeremy's and I go through his and then on to his wife Tiffany's and through her list. I was excited to see something precious posted on both of their pages today. Their first child was born Monday and he is a cutie!

Congrats! Cooper is adorable! I hope you all are doing well, sleep when you can!

Yoga and the Alternative

For those of you who know me well, you know I work out when I can. I'm not the most consistent, but I do it and I enjoy it when I do. I especially love lifting weights. I also enjoy Yoga. The Yoga I do doesn't involve meditation it is strictly an exercise video. When it is all said and done I know that Yoga is almost synonymous with Hinduism (ask any Hindi and they will agree).

I have found and alternative I am eager to buy and try. It's called Praise Moves, the Christian Alternative to Yoga. This is really interesting and they have a kids version and a non Christian version for the public school system called Power Moves.

This morning before we began Victoria's school work we did my Power Yoga for Energy video, just to get her focused. I hadn't done it in a while, but it felt really good to stretch and get myself energized. I think Praise Moves Kids would be great for her, she really liked it.

Home Improvement II (Pictures)

I didn't get a real before picture. I only got one after we had started the removal. I will also find some time soon to post pictures of Jackson's room (which is only in need of period trim replacement), the utility/sewing room renovation (crown mold and paint are left to complete this) and a post of the insane amounts of decoupage, gross wallpaper, cork tile and paneling just for a laugh.

For the moment here is a before and during photo of one wall of the dining room. This room will be painted 2 tone. The top will be a spicy brown mustard color and below chair rail height will be a red/brown (almost mahogany or dark cherry wood) color wash.









Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Home Improvement (UPDATED)

UPDATED
Kelly I will post pictures as soon as I find my camera to dump them. I love my kids, but I wish they would leave my camera alone. :)

******
Saturday my family came up to celebrate Jackson's birthday. The usual things occurred, we ate, opened presents, hung out, played, moved furniture and started a home improvement project in a matter of about 5 hours. Projects and furniture moving ended up on the list. This is a strange, yet normal phenomena in my family.

Jonathan and I have a great and old house in NE Oklahoma (it's in the photo album). It's just under 2800 square feet with a 900 square foot attic that has a full set of stairs to it. Sometime in the 1970's the owners paneled most of the house followed by the next owners adding insane amounts of decoupage(sp?) to the mix. The house is structurally sound, but it is a restoration project. Jonathan and I love these projects and do most of the work ourselves.

My mom and I were in the dinning room which is currently another living room since we don't have a table big enough to do it justice right now. We were talking about moving the game table Victoria does most of her schooling at to the window so she had more light. Thus the furniture began to move.

Later my sister asked Jonathan what needed to be done to take the paneling down. We hadn't started that, b/c we removed paneling upstairs and it was glued and nailed to the walls. The walls were Sheetrock, so it ripped of the top layer of paper and it was a big skimming job. We assumed the downstairs was still plaster under the paneling or that it was glued to Sheetrock. We really weren't in the mood to remove plaster yet or to skim 10 foot walls. So we just hadn't started.

Jonathan decided to take a butter knife and pry back a peace of paneling. Guess what? No glue and no plaster. The walls were Sheetrock underneath. Trim and paneling soon was removed. We are going to do one wall at a time. Jonathan and I went and bought paint that night. Jonathan has since removed the 2 feet of acoustic spray from he wall. With 10 foot ceilings they put up an 8 foot piece of paneling and then applied 2 feet of acoustic spray to the wall the crown molding (I said it was a restoration project). We are relieved. We are now patching and skimming the wall. We hope to paint and faux finish the wall by the end of next week. Then it's one wall down and 3 to go.

Back with 4 posts.

Okay, so I may not get logged in often, but I make up for it, by posting several things when I do. I also apologize for not posting comments still and lurking on your blogs, but I still visit you faithfully almost everyday. Sometimes even more then once. Ya, I have better things to do, but I love reading other peoples writing and seeing their pictures. Often tiems you remind me that I'm not crazy and that we all experience a lot of the same stuff.

Since I can't use my blogger as easily as before I've been using myspace more. I don't really like myspace. One funny thing has happened, I was warned that it was addictive. Now regardless of my dislike of it, I must admit I am addicted. Myspace is Internet CRACK. Yes, My name is Sara and I am a myspace addict. I may have to delete my account, maybe not.

The more things change...

...oh, forget it they don't stay the same.

Last week was a big week at our house. My hair wasn't the only groovy thing.

For those of you who don't know Jonathan is an aerospce enigneer and he is a program manager/design engineer of aircraft interiors. Jonathan had his review at work last Thursday and he heared Monday that he is being promoted to Senior Engineer (or level III). This is totally awesome (we love raises)! He started at this company 1 1/2 years ago at a level I (because he changed the area he worked in). One of the guys he works with said, "It's about damn time they promoted you to Sr." Needless to say he's walking on cloud 9. We have no confirmation yet, but it looks like he may be the only one to make Sr out of the level II's.

Pediatric Purgatory

We went to Chuck E Cheese's for Jackson's birthday. That place is nuts. I remembered when we decided to go that a friend of mine in OKC had called it Pediatric Purgatory. No, I'm not Catholic, nor do I believe in purgatory, but I think this is an appropriate name.

At least it's not as crazy as The Incredible Pizza Company.

10 years

It's been almost 10 years since I started coloring my hair. I was 18 and a senior in high school. I knew my hair was getting darker, so I started dying it blond. The cost and maintenance of the blond has gotten old. Friday I did what any resourceful mother would do. I sent my husband to Wal-Mart with the 4 kids and a list, while I got my hair cut and colored. I had them dye my hair to match my roots. I must admit it has been a bit of a shock, but I'm getting used to it and I like it. I never believed that blonds have more fun, I guess now I'll find out.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Happy 3rd Birthday Jackson!

Happy Birthday my little man. You get to be a bigger helper and even more handsome every day. I love you!


Here is a picture of Tuesday's haircut, for a little boy who turns 3 on Friday. Yes, Jackson turns 3 on Friday. It seems like he has suddenly turned form a baby to a big kid. Potty training is still moving and the accidents are getting fewer. I just don't know where my baby went.


Tomorrow we are making a trip to the city. Our local Wal-Mart hasn't stocked the toys back up yet. We will be making a trip to Toy's R Us and/or Target and maybe even Chuck E Cheese. We had planned on buying his gifts last Friday, but with the storm we haven't left the house since Saturday morning. Jonathan has only left for work. I hope what's coming Saturday isn't as much as they think.

Blogger Help

From blogger help:
Users who have their Internet Explorer security settings set to “High” may have trouble logging in. After signing in, they see a “Click here to continue” link that does nothing. One work around is to right-click on this link and choose “Open in a new window.” — latest update on Saturday, December 09, 2006
Labels: , , ,


I found this. I've already found this work around on my own over a week ago. Unfortunately it doesn't help when I'm not logged in and want to post a comment on one of the blogs I frequent. I am now a lurker, because I lose my comment. Also this work around doesn't always work. When I went into Internet Explorer to check my security settings I found nothing that said mine were set to high, so I can't remedy it there. Mine are currently custom set and I'm not seeing what could cause the problem.

If you are having a similar problem I hope this helps. The "click to continue" is also in a pale color and almost impossible to see. I really don't like having to log in every 5 minutes. It is now a hassle.

Does anyone manage to stay logged in to blogger for more then one Internet session? I'm booted even if I just shut the page, but don't log out of my browser.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Time Out

The new blogger is still not my friend. It is like pulling eye teeth to log in. I have to go to the blogger home, sign in, then right click and open a new window. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I have to re log in every time I shut my browser (not even logging off). I apologize to the many of you I have written post to, that haven't received them, I lose them each time I'm not already logged in.

I have changed my cookie settings and I have looked through help files. I have even been offered help from fellow bloggers, but I've already tried the solutions before. As my frustration mounts my time on blogger is less. Though I hate myspace, I am using it more often, because at least I can post without hassle. I am reading your pages and if you check here thank you for checking in. I hope to be up and running again soon, but until then with this brief post I bid you farewell.

Friday, January 05, 2007

I HATE BETA!

Why did I think it was a good idea to change to blogger beta? I can hardly get logged into the blog. I have tried for at least 3-4 days to log in and I can't even post comments on the sites I want to comment on. I'm a bit frustrated. I'm not even sure what I did right this time. I've been trying to bypass a bunch and finally I weaseled my way in. Well, I guess I'll post the pic I've been trying to for 2 days.

Here is Jackson after his first fun dip. He ate the stick quickly and then used his finger. It was green apple. I don't remember that flavor from my youth, but times change.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Snopes

I'm not sure if you use this site, but I do. I get stories a lot in my inbox that I just don't believe, so I check them out on Snopes. I received one from my husband about the Brazilian plane crash, and since they produce parts for Embraer the guys at work asked him to have me check it's validity. Why they couldn't I don't know, maybe they can't remember the site name, so it came to me to check.

When I received the e-mail snopes had no information regarding this e-mail on their site. I sent them an e-mail on the 6th of December with a copy of the e-mail and pictures and on the 8th of December there was a link to the story. I feel pretty cool. I got to submit a story to Snopes (I wasn't the only one, but I still feel cool).

If you ever get an e-mail, and you think can this possibly be true, check it out. It's definitely worth checking instead of sending on crazy or wrong info.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

It's a big day!

It’s a big day in the Ritchie household.

1. Jonathan and I were married 8 years ago today.

On Sunday, December 27, 1998 I married my best friend. It amazes me that it’s been 8 years. We have 4 beautiful children and we have been through a lot. We have been poor (hungry at night poor) and in college. We entered the world of Jonathan being a professional. We have bought 2 houses and moved twice over the course of a year and a half. We have triumphed in the face of obstacles and we have rejoiced over even the smallest of victories. We have a lot more room to grow as adults, spouses and parents, and we are always able to talk about everything.

I have heard people say that they grew apart from their spouse, but Jonathan and I only seem to be getting closer. We are in tune with each other’s interests and passions and we love to share with each other. I couldn’t be more blessed. I’m not saying we don’t fight, but it’s so nice to know that I am married to a man who is as crazy about me as I am about him. It’s nice to know that we see our marriage from another side as well, the side that reminds us that love is more than an emotion it’s a daily commitment.

Jonathan thank you for all of the little things you do; like helping me cook, going to the store with me and even reading books with me. Thank you for the big things you do too; like putting in a utility room and helping de-ugly the house, helping me with the house work, understanding me and trying to keep me in check. You are the best. You are my rock.

2. The twins are 6 months old.

The boys are both around 13 lbs a piece. They are rolling and desperately want to stand and crawl. They are eating cereal and fruits and vegetables and a little bit of formula. Feeding the some other food has allowed my body to finally let go of more baby weight without any effort. I’ve lost about 8 lbs in the last 3 weeks. I'm still nursing so I will hold on to the last 10-15 lbs until done. I know I’m behind on picture postings and I need to update the photo album, but I need to find more time to sit at the computer to do it.

3. We all have a cold or some type of allergy that is messing up our sinuses.

We all have a lot of sinus pressure, scratchy/sore throats with that dry cough that sounds fake, we also have a bit of that medicine head feeling without the medicine.

My frustration with people who make meth came to a head yesterday when I couldn’t get a hold of any form of Sudafed for the kids without a bunch of other junk in it. I understand combo formulas are very popular, but if my kid doesn’t need everything I won’t give it to them. I went to more then one pharmacy in search of children’s Sudafed to go with the Claritin and Motrin I had already bought. I couldn’t get what I needed so I called several pharmacies here in town today and I’ve found it at one. Thank you meth makers for making it so much harder to buy medication for my children and myself. I bet I’ll be on a watch list for the amount of Sudafed I’ve bought lately.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Fun. Fun. Fun.

Yep, you got it I have the stomach thing now too. Mine is abdominal craps which makes for great discomfort nursing or anytime. My hour on the couch trying to nap (when Jackson wasn't in smacking my head) wasn't bad. Sleep made the stomach aggrivation stop. So far nothing major has been unleashed, my stomach is just very angry.

It's going around town and it's going around in Norman too, so chances are it's going around where you live. Keep your hands washed and I wish you the best.

Finished

I can officially say I’m finished decorating and I’m almost finished shopping. I need to take and post pictures. The tree is done, the stairs are done, I bought stockings and a tree skirt Saturday and we wrapped packages Friday. This has been a real experience for us.

I think I have Jackson convinced not to take the ornaments off the tree, finally. We only decorated the entryway. We are desperately trying to de-ugly the house and too much will get in the way of progress.

Dang, the mail just came and I got my first Christmas card. Now I have to find something to do with these! Okay, I thought I was done at least this isn’t much.

I’ll take and post pics soon. It turned out cool. I decorated the tree the lazy womans way. I stuck artificial poinsettia heads on the tree so we didn’t have as many ornaments to put on (the kids lost interest fast).

In other news illness has passed, Jonathan felt bad yesterday, but he’s okay today. At least when he's sick the mess hits the trashcan and toilet. I now have to finish the laundry and mop the living room and office (I love hardwood floors). I managed to take the chair cushion out of its cover and took Lysol to it and I upholstery cleaned the cover last night. The kids are still tired. I’m the only one left standing (not counting the babies), lets see if I can last.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Vomit

Isn’t that a fun way to start a post?

The 2 older kids are sick and J refuses to use a trashcan or the toilet, which means frequent mop-ups and costume changes. Fun!

I hope Jon, the twins and I don’t get this

Monday, December 04, 2006

Could I be anymore stupid?

Yesterday afternoon we went sledding. Someone had made a great snow ramp. We all slid down the hill. We all took the ramp. We all sat at the emergency room, after I thought I broke my tailbone. I was there for 7 hours. It took me 5 to get into an exam room. It isn’t broken, but it is bruised very badly. I’m not even supposed to pick up the babies. My in-laws have been a huge help and stayed last night and they are here to help me today.

Well, you know what they say…it’s all fun and games until someone looses an eye (or bruises their tailbone).

Yes, I cried like a baby-thankfully my family were the only people there at the moment.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Blizzard?!?!? (updated)

You have got to be kidding me. The National Weather Service has just issued a Blizzard warning.

Last night’s conversation

Victoria: “Have you and mom ever been in a blizzard?”

Jonathan: “No, we live in Oklahoma, we don’t really have blizzards.”

I just called him at work and he couldn’t believe it. I told him if he wasn’t certain he would finish today to pack up and come home. I’d rather him get home now and go in tomorrow, then have a wreck in the ¼ mile visibility and the underlying ice slick. We’ll see what he decides.

(UPDATE)
Little convincing of the husband is required when they decide to close the plant. When the shop guys aren't there the engineering guys get to go home too! YIPEE!

Daddy did you know?

I read this article about things dads should know and I got a big kick out of it. Some of those things are even things mom’s should know. Much of it is funny, yet so true (not all mind you and a bit of it is just wrong).

Jeremy I hope it gives you a laugh.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Deep Freeze

Yesterday the high was 76 degrees with a low of 61 degrees. My heater hasn’t run in days.

It is currently 33 degrees and we are expecting a foot of snow. The high Thursday is supposed to be 29 with a low of 15.

Oklahoma has the screwiest weather.

Jonathan's heater in his car isn't working. He'll be taking my car to work tomorrow.

What we have here is a failure to communicate.

I’d just like to know why. It seems we all have communication issues. It doesn’t matter if it’s with our family or our spouse, our friends or even the person on the phone with something to “offer” us from the credit card company.

Times of stress (that should be times of joy) like the holidays can heighten communication struggles.

I guess it’s safe to say we all have our issues. Maybe if we could communicate better with God, we could communicate better with each other.

Just a thought.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

The Tumbleweed

This was an article I was surprised to see.

I lived in Stillwater for about 6 years, and I only went to “The Weed” about 4 or 5 times. The last time was over 6 years ago. It wasn’t my idea of a good time, but to many Stillwater area residents it is THE thing to do on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. People loved and flocked to the Calf Fry (something I had no intention of trying), my cousin even called when she was coming up to a concert with Tone Loke.

I won’t miss “The Weed”, but I do wonder what that group of OSU students will do for fun, cow tipping perhaps.

Monday, November 27, 2006

You can't say I never gave you anything! ;)

Merry Christmas! I know it’s the end of November, but I would like to give my valued readers (yes, the few family and friends who read my babbling) a little gift.

5 recipes.

I should have been witty and come up with a 12 days of Christmas theme and given you 12 days worth totaling 78 recipes, but I’m not that dedicated at the moment (and I doubt I have that many recipes I use), maybe next year.

2 simple dinners (we can all use something quick this time of year)
The first I’ve posted about before, this is a Rachel Ray 30 minute meal (it takes me closer to 45 without a helper for me). The chicken lettuce wraps are a lot like the ones at Pei Wei and P. F. Chang’s. I even use it as a salad topping with no dressing instead of making wraps sometimes.

The second is too easy; it is a simple homemade Vegetable beef soup. This one requires no measuring and minimal prep. Just brown some ground beef (you choose the amount). Get a large pot and dump a can or 2 of Veg-All, a can or 2 of sliced new potatoes, a can of whole green beans, 3 beef bullion cubes and some seasoned salt and pepper. Add whatever amount of water you desire. Bring it to a boil; reduce it to a simmer for 15 minutes (or how ever long you feel, simmer longer and just keep checking the water level). This is good reheated and even my kids eat it. In one pan you have multiple veggies, meat, and starch, I love one pot meals and soup on cold days.

1 easy dessert
I made this pumpkin swirl cheesecake for a dinner at our youth minister’s house and it went well. I made it again for Thanksgiving. For Thanksgiving I cheated and didn’t swirl it. I made it strait up pumpkin; this was a nice change to the usual holiday desserts. The ginger snap crust is so good. If you’ve never made a cheesecake before the videos on the page were very helpful. I’d never used a spring form pan before either.

2 recipes for the price of 1
This is the recipe for the rolls I blogged about before. This is a super simple and delicious dough. It is knead free and takes about 10 minutes to mix up. The time is mostly in letting the stuff rise, but it is well worth it. I usually make a double batch and make one batch of cinnamon and one batch of dinner rolls. By doing this you have breakfast on the go and rolls for your holiday dinner or whenever you want. Both freeze and reheat very well. I’ve been known to freeze meal size quantities of dinner rolls, so we don’t eat them, and I just pull them from our deep freeze with our dinner meat when I need them.

Cinnamon/Dinner Roll Dough
1 cake of yeast
3 tbsp warm water
Dissolve yeast in water (to check yeast activation add a very small pinch of sugar and stir in, if it begins to bubble yeast is activated).

2 eggs beaten
½ c Crisco
1 tsp salt
½ c sugar
1 c warm water
Mix together well and add yeast. Gradually stir in 4 c of flour. Cover bowl with a dish towel, if used the same day allow to rise 2-3 hours (may be stored in the refrigerator over night).

Cinnamon Rolls
After rising, divide in half. Roll on floured counter into a rectangle with dough about ¼” thick. Melt a stick of butter or margarine and brush onto the dough all the way to the edges. In a container with a lid combine ½ c dark brown sugar, ½ c white sugar and ground cinnamon, shake until well mixed. Shake ½ of the mixture onto the dough (don’t apply to the last inch on the 1 of the long edges) spread evenly and smoothly with hand. Roll like a jellyroll from the long edge that has cinnamon. Cut into 1” rolls with dental floss or a piece of string. Place in a greased pan, but not too closely. Let rise 2 hours.

Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Glaze with ¼ c butter or margarine, ½ c of powdered sugar and 2 tsp milk. Soften butter at room temperature and use a fork to combine butter and powdered sugar, add milk and heat for about 30 seconds on medium in the microwave. Mix well and spoon over hot rolls.

Dinner Rolls
Divide into 4ths and roll into circles about ¼” thick. Brush with melted butter and cut into wedges. Roll from edge to point. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Let rise 2-3 hours.

Bake 6-10 minutes at 425 degrees. Time varies upon cookie sheet and oven and desired doneness.

I use airbake pans and a temp closer to 450 degrees for 10 minutes, on the lower middle rack.

I hope someone can use these for some holiday help.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Thankful

I did call my mom on Thanksgiving (just not mid dinner like last year) and told her I wasn’t pregnant, since I called to say I was last year.

I can’t believe it was Thanksgiving Day that the test came up + last year. Looking back over the blog it’s amazing to see the changes in our life.

Last year we were still making 2 house payments and paying 2 sets of utilities. We thought we were only having 1 baby. We only had 1 car. We hadn’t found a church yet. I didn’t have a utility room (we are trimming ours now, I’ll post pics soon). Life was just so different.

Now we are a family of 6 with 2 cars and 1 house. We have a church home we love. Yep, lots to be thankful for, change this year has been good.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Blogger for Word

I use blogger for word, but since changing over to the new blogger beta, it doesn't work. Is anyone else having an issue? I know things will be different with beta, but I'm not liking it at the moment.

HAPPY ...

This post is a precaution if I don’t have time in the morning.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
&
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREW!
(Your birthday is more important I should have listed it first, we love you)

We are off to Kansas for dinner with Jonathan’s family.

Today in preparation I made a big pot of chili (not for Thanksgiving), 120 more rolls, and a pumpkin cheesecake.

I pray safe travel for you all and that you all have much to be thankful for. I know I do.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Classy

I understand rivalries, but I think the AD at OSU shows a real lack of class in this article. I would like to see the people in charge at least act like adults. Just because Boone Pickens paid a lot to redo their stadium doesn’t mean they are any different in the realm of football.

It’s a football game. This emphasizes what I have said all along, OSU is more concerned about the OU game then OU is. OSU isn’t OU’s biggest rival and I think that tweeks them.

I’m with the kid who doesn’t want to pay $20 more for an OSU ticket then for an OU/Texas one. Heck, for $100 you can get an OU/Texas ticket and a tank of gas to get to Dallas and have a lot more to do. When I was a freshman at OSU (1997) a ticket to bedlam at Norman was $40. I personally wouldn’t spend $80-$100 bucks a ticket when I can watch the game on TV from the comfort of my living room.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Ready. Set. Cook!

My wonderful DH bought a recip saw yesterday. Would you like to know my first thought? I can cut out my cabinets that hold a lousy drop in out and put in my old stove! I have a 500 pound 1941 Chambers type B (scroll about 1/3 down). I have never cooked on anything that cooks half as well. It is a totally different cooking experience; heating is even (you can shut your oven vent and turn your oven off and it will hold your temp and continue cooking), simmering is right on and easy to adjust, the broiler under the griddle in handy, the griddle is awesome and the deep well (think crock pot in your stove) is too cool.

I’ve missed my stove since we moved (it’s in the garage). It’s been a year and a half since I’ve used it. I bought it in Stockyard City in OKC at a place called Tyson’s. They referb old stoves. My friend Kara’s just went out and she went and bought an old Chambers as well (think Rachel Ray). She called raving about her cooking experience and I missed mine even more. I’m so ready to cook on a gas stove that I can actually adjust to a simmer and that doesn’t have oven temperature fluctuations between 100 degrees too hot and 50 degrees too cold.

Ducktales (Part 2)

Back in May we bought Ducktales Vol. 1, 27 episodes of Ducktales fun. Last week I bought Vol. 2, the 5-episode pilot and another 19 episodes (it was $23 at Wal-Mart). They have released these in November the last 2 years. I decided to check and see how many more episodes and volumes we may see coming out. I found this site and there are 100 episodes. It looks like we will be able to buy a potential Vol. 3 and Vol. 4 over the next 2 years. Ducktales is one of my favorite cartoons. It’s up their with classic Looney Toons and Kim Possible.
I don’t like to be the parent that plants their kid in front to the TV, but this has been handy when I’ve needed a minute to myself. I will admit I’ve also enjoyed just sitting and watching too.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

R.I.P.



QuizGalaxy!
'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com





QuizGalaxy!
'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

I'll miss Leaky too, Prince Charles I won't.

I like the second one better. Obviously I must stop laughing now. I know I have a warped sense of humor. I didn't know it would kill me.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

My Accent

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: The West

Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta.

The Midland
Boston
North Central
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The South
The Northeast
What American accent do you have?
Take More Quizzes

Addicted to rolls.

I love to make homemade dinner rolls. I think it’s fun and even more importantly I love to eat them. I only make them around the holidays, so it has begun.

I will concede that my sister may make the best, but I think I love to make them the most.

Today I made 4 batches for a total of 128 rolls. I made 64 Saturday and took 30 to church and we ate the other 34 by Monday night. I’m going to have to freeze these so I have some next week for Thanksgiving.

Mmmm, dinner rolls –insert Homer Simpson drooling here-

Wedding Bells!

My friend Staci is getting married Friday!

Congrats Staci and Rich!

Monday, November 13, 2006

They say...

…patients is a virtue.

It’s defiantly something I need more of today. Today’s lesson was retched. I understand the concept of ADHD, but to me after reading the symptoms I think MOST (not all) kids diagnosed with it aren’t, they are just being children. Children must be taught to control the urges of childhood. Today the urges reigned supreme.

Today we had serious focus issues. Focus issues make me cranky and then I push harder. When I push harder she can’t focus even more. It’s a vicious cycle.

I hope I can remain calmer and that our work progresses better tomorrow. These are the days I question why I homeschool (not for her, but for me). My life would be much more simple without it, but I think I can provide a really great education for her with plenty of varied socialization and activities.

Some days I just have to remember what a waste of time school was (for me) and how much I hated that I could cover everything I needed in half a day in high school. I just want her to be able to learn more and experience more. I want life to be her education; I want her to expand beyond the standard confines of walls, desks and curriculum. I don’t want her to conform to what school produces I want her to excel beyond that. I know she can and that I am responsible for helping her reach that height.

I just have to find my happy place before I ram her math book down her throat. –enter chanting- I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful. (repeat)

Monday, November 06, 2006

VOTE...(Updated)

…or don’t (forget the whole “vote or die” gimmick).

Just a reminder if you intend to vote, Tuesday is the big day.

If you don’t intend to vote, please ignore this message (I’d rather you not vote if you don’t care).

Have a great Tuesday!

UPDATE

I voted straight party today. I was well informed and knew what I was voting, no lingering over my ballot. State questions and judges, the whole nine yards. I was there and gone while many were having to sit and read theirs. I love being decisive and prepared.
I didn’t get an “I Voted” sticker, I was a bit bummed about that.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

All dressed up...(Updated)

Here are a few recent pics.

Victoria is a Punk Rocker. She is also never allowed to wear make-up agian (she looks too old I can't handle it). I never thought my precious 6 year old would look good as a Goth. I made her guitar out of plywood.

UPDATE-For those wondering why I linked "Victoria is a Punk Rocker" to the Ramones site, the Ramones have a song called "Sheena is a Punk Rocker." Other days it would be because they have a song called "Beat on the Brat". Just Kidding! -insert singing-


Jackson when informed he finally got to wear his Red Mysitc Ranger costume (he picked it out) informed me he wanted to be a “punk rocket”.



They were ready to hit a total of 9 houses. We only went to houses of people we know. Traffic was slow to get candy here. We still have a ton of candy and we were giving out small handfuls. The kids had a blast handing out candy and seeing others costumes.

I wish I had gotten a pic of a group of high school students who came by. They were actually collecting canned goods for the Salvation Army (of course I gave them candy too). Their costumes were great and they asked Victoria to give them a concert and she sang in the entryway. It was a total hoot.

Cutie babies are now over 4 months old and about 9 ½ lbs each. Owen is in blue and Alex is in the white print. For Halloween they went as a mirror image. Ha. Ha.



Aren't they cheesy!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Myspace.com

Well, I’ve now added a myspace account to keep up with a few people. Over all I don’t care for myspace or the set up, so it will be a world of copying what I've already done here. If you care to network in with me let me know here, and I'll give you info to be added as a friend. There will be minimal difference between here and there, so stay tuned here for my real blog.

Monday, October 23, 2006

My Yahoo Avatar

I wish I could do my hair this way.
Yahoo! Avatars

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Weather Change

Some of my joints are sore. That makes me feel a little old.

The Divine Conspirator

Jeremy mentioned in the comments that he had attempted reading The Divine Conspiracy, and thought that maybe he should give it another try.  

This is a book that I am finding is easiest to process while reading out loud and with a pencil to mark things I find important (I’m glad I bought it).  This is very hard for me, even in school textbooks.  I just detest marking books up.  Hearing it, seeing it and making notes is improving my processing, unfortunately it is taking a long time to do this (reading allowed requires quiet children).  I’m only on page 10.  This book is written by a man who means and uses every word he puts to print.  It’s evident to me why I am a science and math person and not a philosophy person.

Here is a little interesting info on the author.  I thought this was a good article about who this man is and where he comes from as a Christian and a USC Philosophy professor.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Breaking an addiction

I am battling an addiction. I have been fighting my computer cravings. We don’t have cable and we don’t watch a ton of TV, but I’ve been filling a lot of time in front of the “tube” still. My e-mail is piling up, but I’ve been more productive around the house. I still have a long way to go. I have resorted to turning the computer off after I use it every time instead of putting it to sleep. I’m too impatient to let it boot up, so I just haven’t been using it. I’m even calling my mom to look the next day’s weather up on her computer. I need to get my life and family back in better order and I’m making progress.

On the illness front I am much better. Currently hay fever is still running rampant at our house and Victoria has pink eye, but we are doing very well.

Two new things are also taking my time. I started journaling a couple of weeks ago. It hasn’t been daily, but it’s a good way to vent and ponder things. I also just started a book by Dallas Willard called The Divine Conspiracy. It’s a long and in depth book. It will be taking a lot of my time as well.

This coming weekend is our only one this month with nothing planned and no long drive to go on, so I’ll try to post pictures again soon. The twins will be 4 months old on the 27th and the have both finally broken the 9 lb marker.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Still down

Every time I think I’m better this stomach bug comes back with a vengeance.  I seem to have a day on and a day off being sick.  Friday morning I went to the ER for dehydration.  I’m okay being sick during the day, I keep myself well hydrated in spite of being sick.  Thursday night I kept trying to go to sleep between being sick and by 4 am Jonathan and I were getting the kids together so he could drive me to the hospital.  It wasn’t a big deal, just a bag of IV fluids.  Normally I would just stay up and chug electrolyte for a while, but since I’m still nursing the twins it was too important not to take care of immediately.  I’m really tired, but I hope to be back on track soon.  

Victoria’s schooling has been sporadic at best this week.  We’ve even had non-curriculum related lessons.  When you can’t do much else flash card exercises requires no table work.  Jonathan also has done some schooling in the evening.  Victoria has been a big help when I’ve been down.  Homeschooling is very nice for me when I’m sick, I have a helper and if we miss a day or 2 of school it’s no big deal to just make it up on Saturday and/or Sunday.  

Monday, October 02, 2006

Yuck and stuff

I know blogging has been light and almost entirely about my family since having the twins, and it will continue in this pattern for a while.  Today though I am going to be selfish and talk about me.

Readers Digest Version of events:

I got a cut and color Friday and I had Mindi pink (it’s more of a fuchsia) streak my hair.  Yes it’s a bit off the wall, but I needed a crazy change.  It’s different and kind of neat.   I’ll find out later this month if it clashes with the dresses for Staci’s wedding.  If it does I’ll change it, other wise I think I’ll keep it, but darken the rest of my hair a bit more.  Instead of blond with brown and pink streaks I’ll make it Brown with blond and pink streaks.


I have a stomach bug and working out, eating and most everything else is going on the back burner.  The kids are getting loads of TV time.  I’ve lost 2 lbs today already.  Thankfully when I decided this wasn’t going away, I had the things the doctor said I could take and I don’t have to load up the kids to go in and get checked.

And the beat goes on…

Monday, September 25, 2006

Totally random

There are just moments you want to blow a big raspberry and say, “I told you so!”
I’ll be honest I was good and didn’t.

How do you tell if a person is feeding you a line of bull?  I’m not great at discerning if people (enter the word acquaintances) are telling me the truth.  I’m not totally gullible, but when I question a person’s honesty, it takes me a while to be totally sure.  I wish there was a trick for when you think people are being tricky or dishonest.

It’s warm, almost toasty outside.  We ran the attic fan last night and it’s outright cold in our house.  I need a sweatshirt indoor and a t-shirt outdoors.  I love fall.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Music

In my old age I now prefer talk radio to music, at least during the standard 8-5 Monday through Friday week. At home though I rarely turn on the radio during the day and I only listen to a little from the computer. My radio time is now in the evenings in the car. Since we moved a little over a year ago I haven’t taken the time to find music stations I like, until now.

I have come to the conclusion that I am old (not really) because my favorite station now is the classic rock station. I’m now feeling very “1985”, not the whole song mind you, but things like when did Motley Crue become classis rock? For that matter when did Pearl Jam? I do prefer my rock & roll, alternative, and 80’s to most (not all mind you) of what’s out today. I will admit I have found mad love for one new song, Nickelback’s Rockstar, the lyrics had me totally cracking up at how it mocks rockers.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

One Last Picture

Labor Day weekend my mom, dad, sisters and my mom's parents all came up for a visit. Here are Victoria and her Great Grandparents in the parking lot at Woolaroc on Labor Day.

Pictures Round 2

Owen is in yellow and Alex (or Xander) is in blue. They are still very little (especially compared to Jackson at this age). They are very sweet and sleep through the night.




Victoria begged for us to go to this Indian Summer thing down the street from out house. It was a waste of time with junk dealers and not much else. The only good things (outside of a nice walk) were the good pictures I got at the waaaay over priced pony ride.

Pictures Round 1

These are pictures of Victoria before dance. I bought her goucho pants to wear to dance instead of a skirt and she really likes it. She also got a jean jacket for her birthday and if I wear mine she has to wear hers.



I am a proud parent, but I honestly believe that Jackson is the most handsome 2 year old boy I've ever seen. He now informs us that his name is Jack.




Victoria is one tough cookie. Owen is in blue in this pic and Alex (or Xander we're debating now) is in off white.

I'm a bit behind.

Yes, I know I’ve promised pictures and updates and it will happen, just not right now.

The larger memory on the camera has allowed us to take more pics and video. Which takes more time to dump and I’m lazy and hate having to go and rotate the pics that need rotated before I post them.  Every time I sit at the computer the bigger two make me crazy, so I’m a bit limited.

Also, Jonathan and I started the Body for Life challenge and we’ve been at the YMCA every night, which limits my time in the evening when he gets home.  We aren’t at the Y too long, but I nurse right before we go and right after, plus we have to fix dinner.  We’re a bit sore and our evenings are limited, but we feel good.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Scary

What would you do if you saw a child being abducted? This video was amazing. This video is a staged abduction to test how people will react. It took 2 hours before anyone did anything.

Watch. The link will come up blank, but a media player window should open.

What can we teach our kids to make sure this doesn’t happen to them in a real life situation?

More importantly what would you do?


On a lighter note, check out the video of the Karaoke Cabbie in Singapore. This one you'll have to click the search to watch.